As a devoted fan who grew up watching the hilarious antics of the Bundy family on “Married… with Children,” I can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia and a dose of amusement when I reflect on how the stars found out about its untimely cancellation. Just like Al, I too would have preferred hearing the news from a newlywed couple instead of the radio! It’s ironic that a show centered around a man who hates his job ended up leaving its cast in the dark about their own employment status.
Debuting in 1987, “Married… with Children” shattered television norms by portraying the unconventional Bundy family, contrasting with the more conventional approach to the nuclear family taken by other sitcoms during that time. Spanning 11 seasons on Fox, it remains the longest-running live-action sitcom in the network’s history, despite not being a consistent ratings powerhouse (peaking at #37 overall during the 1991-1992 TV season). Despite its enduring popularity, the show was unexpectedly canceled in 1997. Now, two of its beloved stars, Ed O’Neill and Christina Applegate, are sharing their memories about learning that “Married… with Children” wouldn’t be renewed for a 12th season.
In the role of Al Bundy on Married… with Children, O’Neill recently chatted with his former castmate Applegate on her Messy podcast (as reported by Entertainment Weekly). The two reminisced about their shared past, as she played his daughter, Kelly Bundy. Their discussion eventually delved into their iconic sitcom, which never had a formal ending from Fox. Instead of being informed by the network, they learned that the show was canceled when O’Neill happened to meet a fan who had just gotten married.
On a lovely day, I found myself in my hometown, staying at a quaint bed-and-breakfast near the university as I had business there. As I was strolling around, a car with the traditional ‘Just Married’ decorations drove by – you know, the car with the tin cans hanging off.
“I was standing there when they stepped out of their car – it was the couple, the husband and wife. The woman was wearing a wedding gown, and the man was in a tuxedo. The man then exclaimed, ‘Oh my goodness! That’s Al Bundy in Ohio!’ To which I replied, ‘Indeed, congratulations on your marriage!’ They responded with disbelief, saying, ‘Yeah, we can’t believe it ourselves.’ The woman added, ‘We’re really sorry about your show.’ I asked, ‘What do you mean?’ The man then revealed the news that I had been dreading – ‘Oh my goodness. He doesn’t know yet. Your show has been canceled on the radio. We’re so sorry.’
Applegate mentions that she was in a similar situation and wasn’t contacted by Fox regarding the cancellation of Married…with Children. Instead, she learned about it much like Kristy Swanson found out that Ferris Bueller had fainted at 31 Flavors.
I discovered through a mutual acquaintance who was connected to my assistant during that period. He didn’t inform us directly, as they never contacted us instead.
Ed O’Neill Addresses Modern Family Reboot
Following their departure from the show “Married… with Children”, both O’Neill and Applegate each went on to achieve success in Hollywood. Recently, Applegate has garnered critical praise for her role in the Netflix series “Dead to Me”. Meanwhile, O’Neill is renowned for his performance in one of the best sitcoms of recent times, “Modern Family”.
2020 marks the end of a series, but there’s already excitement about a possible spinoff or remake focusing on Mitch and Cam’s characters. Although nothing has been confirmed yet, O’Neill has expressed his readiness to return as Jay Pritchett if given the chance.
I’m certainly not opposed to the idea. Given my fondness for those involved, I wouldn’t be the one to rain on parade if everyone else is enthusiastic. Rest assured, I won’t be the one to decline in this situation.
Currently, there’s only speculation about a potential revival of “Modern Family,” but we’ll stay tuned and share any updates as they arise. In the interim, why not enjoy all 11 seasons of “Married… with Children” that are currently streaming on Hulu?
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2024-09-07 16:01